AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval Wednesday to a resolution proposing a climate change education pilot program in Maine public schools. The measure is sponsored by Rep. Lydia Blume, D-York.
As amended, LD 1902 would establish the Climate Education Professional Development Pilot Program, a three-year program that would provide $3 million in grants to train teachers in Next Generation Science Standards and interdisciplinary climate education. Public schools would also be eligible to receive both public and private funding.
During the bill's public hearing before the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, nearly 90 people testified in support of the measure.
"I'm pleased that the House voted to advance this bill. Our students and educators are asking for more climate change education and the time to deliver that is now," said Blume. "We have to adapt to the imposing threat of climate change by educating the future leaders of our state, as they will be the ones to feel the effects of rising sea levels, increased land and sea temperatures, and the public health risks that stem from those. Let's give our youth the tools to fight back against climate change."
Blume is serving her fourth term in the Maine House of Representatives and represents House District 3, the coastal part of York. She serves on both the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Marine Resources Committee. She is an appointed member of the Maine Climate Council and is the chair of the Legislature's bipartisan Coastal and Climate Action Caucus.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Blume], c. 812-1111